By now, you're either sick to the back teeth with Star Wars or grinding your chompers nervously with anticipation, and if you're the latter, then the expected May 5 release of the Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace book ahead of the film could positively send your dentist bills rocketing skyward.

That's when the official book version of the movie is set to be released. And those desperate for a taste of the plot can pre-order the book online via the Empire shop and Amazon.co.uk by simply typing Star Wars : Episode 1 the Phantom Menace into the search box. Alternatively, you can also pre-order directly via Amazon.co.uk.

Director of communications for Lucasfilm, Lynn Hale, says that the book is indeed aspoiler for the movie but reckons fans can choose not to buy it, effectively asking young Jedi warriors to ignore the power of the Dark Side. "The book has a lot more of the back story than the film," Hale said. "There are those who want that kind of background and others who want to experience the story for the first time onscreen. Regardless, the book will be on the market a full two weeks before Phantom opens."

Representatives at publisher Ballantine Books have been decidedly mute about the whole thing, but have confirmed that readers will get a complete retelling of the movie's plot by fantasy author Terry Brooks, best known for his best-selling Shannara series.

They also confirmed that the book will be released with four different versions of the cover art, variously featuring Darth Maul, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, or Queen Amidala.